A Disney fan-favourite film is returning for a sequel and will welcome an NCIS fan-favourite to its cast.

Wilmer Valderrama, best known for his role as Agent Nick Torres in NCIS, is taking a break from solving complex crimes to join the cast of this exciting project.

The actor, who shot to fame as Fez in the 1990s sitcom That ’70s Show, has been portraying the charismatic and rebellious agent for nearly a decade, establishing himself as a core member of the team alongside chief medical examiner Jimmy Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen) and Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray).

However, Valderrama is now set to swap crime scenes for animation studios as he joins the cast of Zootopia 2.

The star took to Instagram this week to announce the news, posting a picture of his animated hippo character Higgins and writing: “The hippo is out of the bag.”

NCIS legend confirms role in highly anticipated new Disney movie (Image: GETTY)

Zootopia 2 newcomers police officers Higgins and Bloats are voiced by Wilmer Valderrama and Stephanie Beatriz. (Image: WALT DISNEY PICTURES)

“I’m joining the Zootopia family as Higgins! Watch #Zootopia2 only in cinemas November 26th. Tickets are on sale now.”

In the sequel, the NCIS star’s character Higgins is a hippo that works at the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD), working alongside fellow hippo Bloats, voiced by Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Twisted Metal actress Stephanie Beatriz.

Fans were quick to express their excitement at the news, with one exclaiming: “Freaking out”, while another posted: “This is amazing! So fun!”

An NCIS fan commented: “Omggg this is soo awesome.. Here comes special agent Torres to Zootopia” with someone else writing: “I’m obsessed with this!”

NCIS’ Agent Nick Torres actor Wilmer Valderrama. (Image: GETTY)

It’s been nine years since the original Zootopia film hit cinemas, where novice police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), a rabbit, teamed up with fraudster fox Nick Wide (Jason Bateman) to solve a mystery.

Disney announced that the Zootopia universe would return for a sequel two years ago when the studio began developing the follow-up picture.

Voice recording sessions commenced in April 2024 with the movie scheduled for release on November 26, 2025.

Alongside Valderrama, Zootopia 2 will feature fresh talent including Frozen’s Josh Gad, Dwayne Johnson and The Princess and the Frog’s Anika Noni Rose.